One arrested for DUI after I-55 crash Tuesday morning

A 20-year-old driver was arrested for driving under the influence this morning after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 between Williamsville and Sherman.

A 20-year-old driver was arrested for driving under the influence this morning after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 between Williamsville and Sherman.

Police said Matthew L. Baker, 20, of Springfield ran away from the crash after the car he was driving caught fire. Officers caught him a short time later.

The second driver, Matthew R. Landgrebe, 26, of Springfield was not seriously injured.

The crash happened about 5:30 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the interstate at mile marker 107. According to the police, Landgrebe was driving a 1998 Ford pickup truck in the center lane. Baker was driving a 2000 Pontiac four-door car behind the pickup in the center lane but lost control and rear-ended the truck, causing it to veer to the right, cross the right lane and shoulder, drive into the ditch and overturn onto its side.

The Pontiac went into the ditch about 60 yards north of the pickup and caught fire. Police said the occupants fled but did not elaborate on how many people were in the car or if there were additional arrests.

Baker was arrested for DUI, illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor, leaving the scene of a crash and failing to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

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